'About the role of brain oscillations in active sensing'

Speaker: Prof Joachim Gross, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, School of Psychology, University of Glasgow

The last decade has seen a paradigm shift in our understanding of how human sensory systems support higher cognitive functions. The traditional view of sensory systems as 'passive recording devices' has given way to a view that emphasizes the dynamic nature of sensory information processing to actively adapt to the changing environment and task demands. This adaptability is crucial for optimally interacting with a complex, changing environment. I discuss recent evidence that support a causal role for brain oscillations in 'Active Sensing'. Specifically, I discuss the alignment of brain oscillations to rhythmic external events (in spatial attention and speech processing) and subsequent consequences for behavioural performance.